I Truly LOVE These Boots...

FALL HAS ARRIVED!!!

FALL HAS ARRIVED!!!

How long will it stay?

Anyone's guess but it is here today!

The weatherman promises that the cooler temps will hang around for at least a few more days.  I am holding him to it!

I truly LOVE dressing in the Fall.

I think it is because I am almost as big of a fan of great sweaters and wonderful tall boots as I am of leather skirts?

Now that is saying something!

Hee Hee

I arrived home last night and went thru my normal routine, including preparing my ensemble for the next day.

Yes, I still pick out my clothes the night before.  No, I am not in 3rd grade anymore... but sometimes I do act like it.  Hee Hee

Hey, who said preparation was a bad thing anyway?

Well, after a few different ideas I decided that earth tones, houndstooth and tall boots seemed to be appropriate.

So... How did I do?

A simple beige sweater but it is one of my favorites.

Just another of my Harold's acquisitions from years gone by.

Harold's... ahh... Harold's...

Some say that beige and white, even black are "boring"... "dated"... I prefer "classic," "functional" and "timeless."

Perhaps that is just me?

What do you think?

Either way, this sweater is soft beyond words and features in many of my ensembles during these cooler months.  Expect to see it again.  Hee Hee

As you can see, this skirt has a subtle houndstooth pattern.  I am SO loving houndstooth at the moment.

In case you missed my new houndstooth high heels, have a look at this post from earlier in the month.

Proof enough of my infatuation?

Anyway... this lovely was purchased at Harold's many years ago.

Say it with me, "Ahhh... Harold's.."

Hee Hee

These are the best boots... in every sense of the word.

They found their way to my blog last February, when I suggested a couple of other wonderful bloggers and again last December, when I debuted my beloved caramel leather skirt that Mom gave me for Christmas.

Hmmm...

These are just another pair from my collection of Born boots.

Amazingly comfortable. Stylish.  Wonderful.

I am telling you ladies, go to Zappos or Shoes.com or Shoeline.com or any number of other places and try a pair.  You will not be disappointed.

Running a little behind this morning.  Still sitting here at the house.  Eak!

Oh well, what do you do?

Anyway... no stories to entertain you with... or bore you with... whichever is the case.

Cannot tell you about anything that has not had an opportunity to happen.

Oh well, what do you do?

So that's that... hope you like my outfit?

I am thinking that my "Saturday Uniform" will get to see the streets tomorrow... hmmm...

As I have said many times, your kind words are incredibly heart warming.  I always look forward to reading your comments and I thank you in advance for taking the time to leave one.

I always do my best to return in kind.

Have A Great Weekend!

-- The Leather Skirt --

Yes... It Is A Dress...

I know, I know...

I am a committed member of the...

"Community Of Girls Who Love Skirts."

That will never change.

Are you a member?

But...

It had to be done.

Mostly because (let's be perfectly honest here) I got so many wonderful compliments about the skirt I have in the exact same pattern.  I know I wore the skirt yesterday but today will be spent mostly away from the office.  New faces.  Who will know?

Does anyone else ever do that?

I call this one my "Venice Dress."  You can see the "Venice Skirt" here if you wish.

 

It is quite warm here in Dallas AGAIN today.  The weatherman promised some warmer temps all week and he really delivered.  It has been downright HOT! 

Fall is supposed to arrive on Saturday.  I am ready.

Since it is a bit warmer I did something that I rarely do... I wore an "open toe" shoe to work. 

If you follow my blog, you know that I just do not do that.

I occasionally make an exception for these wonderful shoes because I think they are just "fancy" enough to be appropriate for work.

In my opinion, sandals can VERY easily be far too "casual" for office wear.

I think these babies "skirt the line" just enough between "casual" and "dress."

What do you think?

In case you are wondering... they are made by Born.

Yes, Born.

You know how much I truly LOVE any shoe from Born.

Simply put... the most comfortable boot I have ever worn.  These shoes are no exception.

I wish that Born would begin making a classic dress shoe.  I just know they would be a staple in my wardrobe if they ever do.  A pair in every color.  A girl can dream.

Hee Hee

And the final ensemble...

So were you surprised when you opened my blog today?

I suspect the girls at work will a bit surprised when I walked in.  Complimentary but clearly a little surprised.

You fashionable ladies that read my blog are not the only ones that know that  I am a committed member of the "Community Of Girls Who Love Skirts."

Sometimes I like to keep people on their toes...

Hee Hee

BTW... thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and read my blog.  I cannot express my gratitude well enough.  It never ceases to amaze me how sweet my "blogger friends" can be.  I read all of your comments and do my best to return the comment in kind.

Look forward to reading both your thoughts and your wonderful blogs.

Have A Marvelous Day!

-- The Leather Skirt --

Back To Work...

If there is anything good about having pneumonia it is the rest.  For a working girl like me though it means facing a tough return to the office after a long absence.  I did spend some time over the weekend trying to read thru some e-mail that was beginning to collect dust in my "in basket" but my other routine responsibilities were largely waiting on me when I returned to the office this morning.

I truly LOVE my job so this is both a blessing and a curse.  I do not like feeling like I am behind in any way but at the same time it is really nice to be returning to my routine... to my version of "normal."

Anyway...

It is still "Dallas Chilly" today, at least it was this morning.  When I went out for lunch it was far more comfortable but we all knew it was October this morning.  Hee Hee

So how does a fashionable girl begin her first day of work on a chilly October morning?

My beloved tall black boots by Born, of course.

I have shown you these many times and I have bragged on the comfort of any pair of shoes made by Born so many times as well... BUT they are both just so wonderful... I cannot help myself.

I am telling you, go to either Shoes.com, Shoeline.com or Zappos.com for a wide selection of the newest Born styles.  You will thank me later.

If you read my blog regularly, you know I have another pair of tall black boots that offer a little more interesting embellishment around the ankle.  Simply put, they are cuter boots... BUT they are not nearly as comfortable and these do just fine at the office... thank you very much.

What do you think?

I first showed you this lovely polka dot jacquard skirt from AT LOFT back in September.

As I mentioned, fellow blogger Saucy Glossie debuted this skirt on her blog and I just HAD to have it.  Before you could count to ten I had "linked" over and purchased it... at full price!

What do you think?  Worth it?

Personally, I love the skirt.  Wonderful cut.  Beautifully subdued polka dot pattern.  Lovely.

I see years of love and attention for this recent acquisition.

I think it goes really well with my boots, too.

How about you?

I paired the skirt and the boots with another of my often worn wardrobe items... this lovely rose colored sheen blouse.

I think the sheen fabric makes it a little more sophisticated.

Plus, it really seems to "pull out" the polka dot pattern in the skirt.

Bonus!


What do you think?  Good choice?

And the completed ensemble...

Well, that will do for now.

It has been a LONG first day back to work and I do not mind admitting that I am a bit tired.

Probably off to bed soon.

No funny or interesting stories from today anyway.

A lot of "welcome back" and "glad you are feeling better" from all.

It is nice to be made to feel so welcome.  So missed.

Hope You Had/Have A Great Day!

-- The Leather Skirt --

There Is A Chill In The Air...

Whoa!  I made the mistake of being outside yesterday when the cold front ye ole weatherman has been promising arrived as promised... Whoa!

The temperature dropped about 30 degrees in about 30 minutes!  Whoa!

Fortunately, I was close to home so inside I quickly raced.

So what is a girl to do on a Saturday morning when the temps have dipped into the cooler range for the first time?  Celebrate with a lovely cashmere turtleneck, that's what.

I got this wonderful number last winter.  I can see it in regular rotation this year.  It is so soft.

The only thing... the color is a little vibrant for me.

It is certainly an attention grabber.  Hee Hee

Of course, I am not one that shies away from "attention grabbing" articles of clothing so I am sure you will see this one again.

What do you think?
So after I settled on the sweater it was time to decide on what to pair it with.

Pneumonia had me down for so long that it seems like all I wore the whole month of September was a pair of pajamas so I really wanted to go with one of my beloved pencil skirts today.

How could I go wrong with this one?

Don't you just love the cute little pattern in the slit?

Besides, I think they make a perfect pair.  How about you?

To keep things a little more "casual" I opted to leave the sweater untucked.

Truthfully, I have tried tucking this sweater in and it just doesn't work. 

Another reason that it may see fewer spots in the rotation than its cashmere loveliness probably deserves.

To finish things off I decided to pull out some well worn favorites. 

These tall brown boots are made by Born.  If you read my blog at all you are probably aware of how much I appreciate Born.  They are fabulous.  Simply the most comfortable boot you will ever wear.

If you do not own a pair of Born boots I highly recommend that you get a pair.  They will serve you well for years to come.

Don't believe me, take a look at the toes on these.  Hee Hee

The only bad thing, they are so "well worn" that they just are not suitable for work anymore.  I really need to find a new pair of brown boots for the office.  Hmmmm

Well, the finished outfit looks like this...

What do you think?

So my day... real quick...

Pretty boring.  Got up early, went and actually did a light workout.  Very light, my strength is still on the rebound.

Returned home, dressed and headed out for brunch with a couple of friends.  A little grocery shopping (you would be surprised what you are in need of after having not been home for several days), a couple of errands and then back home.

I wish I had some interesting interactions to share but I really do not.

One thing I did notice as I moved around Dallas today...

FALL IS HERE... at least in the fashion world.

Burgundy in every shade.  Boots.  My fellow Dallas ladies have been stocking up and waiting for today.

Great looks all!  Go Dallas!

-- The Leather Skirt --

Casual Sunday...

Today will be relaxing.  No plans.  Church this morning and then a little relaxing at home.  Might do a little reading, might kick back with a movie marathon.  Have not decided yet.  What I am going to do... relax.

I am exhausted.  There has been so much going on of late.  Not complaining... just stating.

Given my plans, I opted for casual again today.  Well, "Jordan Casual" anyway.

Hope you like it...

I think this is the first time I have shown you these lovely sandals from Born.  If you read my blog, you know what a fan I am of anything Born.

I even like Jason Bourne.  That Matt Damon isn't bad either.  Hee Hee

When I first started typing I was thinking some "chick flicks" but now I may have to settle in for the Bourne Trilogy... again.  Still haven't seen the new one.  Maybe today?  Hmmm....

Seriously... these are cute, no?  Being a Born product... COMFORTABLE.

Mix in one of my favorite skirts...

This baby is a favorite so it sees the sun frequently.  I showed it to you here back in April.

Keep reading... you will see it again.  Promise.

In keeping with the "casual" trend... a simple t-shirt.

...And it all looks like this.

Well?

Writer is now seeking approval...

Wearer is now seeking compliments...

Hee Hee

Hope You Have A Glorious Day!

-- The Leather Skirt --

Winter Has Returned...

Okay, so many of you are laughing at the mere thought of Winter in Dallas.  I know.  Don't laugh.  Cold is relative just as hot is relative.  Remember your laughter at me now when you are complaining about how hot it is where you live next August.

Now that we have cleared that up... it is rather cold today.  England cold, actually.  The temperature is not really all that low but it is damp, a little breezy... just uncomfortable.

How else should a stylish lady (I said to stop laughing!) deal with a chilly day?

Why leather, a great blazer and comfy boots, of course!

Today's attire...

As anyone that reads my blog (or I guess anyone who just read its name?) knows, I love my leather skirts.

I wear them to the office regulary but I think it is very important to take some of the "edge" off the skirt when I wear it to the office.  Considering this fact, the items that I pair with the skirt are critical in my opinion.

Although I do not always wear a blazer to work with my leather skirts I do think it is appropriate.  In my opinion, a good blazer provides a professional finish to virtually any ensemble. 

This particular blazer is just one of many items in my closet from Harold's.  All together now... "I miss that store."  I really do.  Talbots is a satisfactory replacement but it just isn't the same.  The world is a less happy place without Harold's in it.  Okay, perhaps that was a little melodramtic.  Hee Hee

So what do you think of my blazer?

I think this blouse is a perfect partner as well.  Subtle & classy.  I will even pair this blouse with a leather skirt without a blazer on a warmer day.  I hear you snickering about my thinking it is cold.  That isn't nice.

I think that the black tones in the blazer go well with the skirt.  What do you think?

My beloved tall black boots by Born...

And the finished look...

A quick story for today...

Do you remember my "office building friend" with the leather pants?  I first mentioned her in this post and then again here.  Believe it or not... we are twins today!  I have a full fledged convert.  I have to admit, I felt rather proud (not sure if that is appropriate?), maybe a little vindicated, when I saw her getting on the elevator ahead of me this morning.  She had a leather skirt on... kid you not!  I am sure it was her.  Unfortunately, I couldn't catch up to her so we didn't get to talk.  Hopefully I will see her when I return to the office in a few minutes.  We'll see?

WHOOPS!  Turns out the lady that I saw on my way in to the building yesterday was not my "friend" at all.  Not sure who she was but it wasn't the lady that I have encountered in the post mentioned above.  Ironically, as I raced back in from lunch (about 15 minutes after finishing the text above) I saw her out smoking in a completely different outfit.  Unless she did a quick change, I was mistaken about whom I saw earlier.

Oh well, it would have made a nice story, huh?

Obviously my friend has come around on the idea of a leather skirt at the office.  What are your thoughts on the matter?  Is it appropriate?

One last thing... on this post I answered a question regarding my least favorite trend.

Originally I said that my least favorite thing are baggy jeans.  I still don't like that but I want to ammend my answer today.  Is that okay?

Whether it is or not...

I actually dislike seeing women go out in their pajama bottoms.  Do they know that these are not actually pants?  Do they care?  I don't know but I am certain that it is unattractive.  Spend another couple of minutes and at slip on a pair of jeans.  Is that asking too much?

Now that I have probably offended a few... lunch is over... back to the grind...

Have a fantastic day!

- The Leather Skirt -

Back To The Grind...

Thanksgiving Weekend is over and my trip was wonderful.  Even the flying part was tollarable.  The weekend was busy and my my flight was later getting back in than originally planned but I am so glad that I went.

I hope that you had a great holiday weekend as well?

Anyway, I had planned this huge post detailing what I had packed for my trip but, alas, the opportunity just didn't present itself.  Ugh!  Does anyone else ever have a post idea in their head that just never materializes?  Frustrating... at least for me. Given that it is Monday and the entire trip is over, I figured that it is best to just move on.  Oh well.

I don't really know why I titled this post that way, I truly love my job, perhaps a little too much.  Hee Hee

With that said, Monday is the start of a new work week and although I cannot say I actually look forward to it, I do not dread it at all.  Returning to work after a long weekend is especially fun for me.  It is good to see most everyone again, catch up on their lives, just re-engage.  But it is Monday AND it is quite chilly today... at least for this part of the country... so I went with a nice cozy sweater and some tall boots.  Yummy.

Here is what I am wearing today...

Both the sweater and the skirt are from Harold's but I don't know for sure if I bought them at the same time.  I have had them both for some time.  I have said it before but I REALLY miss Harold's.  Such classic stuff.

This sweater is SO SOFT and SO WARM.  I love to pair it with so many things in my closet at this time of the year.  You will definitely see it again.  Some say that whites and beige are boring tones, I say that they are versatile and classic.  

 LOVE this skirt.  I think it is so sharp.  What do you think?

Simple combination but I think these two pieces were born to go together.  Speaking of Born...

If you have read my blog for a little while you last saw these boots here.  Hint... you will probably see them again.  Hee Hee

These are one of my favorite pairs of boots.  This particular pair is by Born.  If you have never owned a pair of Born boots, get some.  Comfortable and sharp.  Killer combination.

I am not sure that it is possible to have too many good pairs of tall boots.  I wear them 8-9 months a year.  The summer months are just too hot but come that first little cool spell I will break them out regularly all the way through Memorial Day.  How much of the year do your taller boots get to see the street?

With that my lunch hour is rapidly drawing to a close.  Have a great day!

- The Leather Skirt -

The Hounds Have It...

As I mentioned in my previous post, it has been an incredibly busy week at the office.  But alas, our client presentation was delivered today and the initial feedback has been good.  We'll see what their final decisions are soon, probably after the upcoming holiday.  Wish me luck... it's a HUGE deal!

By the way, my decision to delve into the world of the blogosphere has broadened my perspective on fashion somewhat.  First I became an avid reader of your various fashion blogs, then I would occasionally leave a comment and then finally I decided to author a blog myself.  Prior to doing so, I would NEVER had considered entering a resale shop and I almost certainly would not have purchased clothing on EBay.  I thank several of you for altering my thinking just a little.

Anyway, last Saturday I managed to sneak away from work long enough to do something that I had only done once before... visit a resale shop.  I am quite fond of buying things new, especially if I will be wearing them so the mere though of a resale shop never really entered my mind.  Additionally, there is the "problem" of the "hunt" in such establishments.  My limited experiences with businesses such as TJ Max give me the same sort of feeling.  I don't deny the values available but I have previously struggled to justify the investment in time and effort.  Believe it or not, I really am not much of a shopper.

You may recall from this post that I recently purchased a pair of leather jeans from EBay.  This is true but the seller said they had not been worn AND I didn't have to look through multiple racks to find them.  EBay is almost a miracle (word is used VERY lightly) as things sometimes literally "fall" into your lap.  This was one such time.

With all of that said, I want to show off what I was so lucky as to find at this little resale shop... the cutest Houndstooth skirt I could ever have wished for and only $7.00!  You may recall from this post that I was considering purchasing one from Talbot's for $108.00 just a little over a week ago.  No need to do that now... BONUS!  You may also remember from this post that I was a HUGE fan of Harold's until it went out of business.  Well, this skirt is from a Harold's collection AND new with tags when I bought it.  DOUBLE BONUS!!

 

So what do you think?  I think I am going to get loads of wear out of it!  I am truly excited!  LOVE!

I was so excited with my new prize that I just had to give it a spin on Sunday.  Off to church, a few quick errands, my weekly Sunday stroll (yes, I actually do a Sunday stroll... Hee  Hee) and then out to dinner.  She worked masterfully for all occasions!

I chose to pair the new skirt with this lovely white blouse that I have had for years.  It is simply a white blouse (which makes it so reliable & endlessly functional) but the over sized buttons give it a little "story" that makes it just a little unique.  I am a fan.  Can you tell?

As you can clearly see, this blouse is one of my many Talbot's items. 

 

I think they compliment each other very well.  The white tones down the Houndstooth and the skirt offers the simple blouse some character.

To complete the look I opted for a pair of my tall black boots by Born.  If you have never worn a pair you owe it to yourself.  Classy.  Chic.  Eminently walkable.  

I selected these as i didn't want anything taking away from new skirt.

Here is how it all came together.

 On Monday i went with something different but I didn't get it photographed.  Sorry.

But... on Tuesday I had to break the new skirt back out again for work.  This time I paired it with one of my favorite suits.  It is simply black but the collar offers a little more interest than the normal expectation.  I wish the picture would have made that more apparent.

 

 In keeping with the whole "corporate executive" thing that I had going on this particular day I went with some simple black heels.  I am never without a pair of heels.  In fact, other than a handful of sandals and my workout shoes I don't believe I even own a pair of flats?

 

I really would loved to have worn my new prize again this past week but I have to keep reminding myself that a little goes a long way.  Besides, next week I am back east for Thanksgiving so I believe it will get a spin there next.  Hee Hee.

So, as the post has been entitled, "The Hounds Have It!" 

Lastly, I want to give well deserved credit to a couple of blogs that I read regularly that have inspired me to "dip my toes" into the resale water.  I am not likely to ever be as patient nor as talented as these ladies when it comes to these sorts of things but I suspect I will venture out to see what I can find again.  

Sarah at Coming Unstitched 

Kassi at The Closet Intervention

Indiana at Adored Austin

Jodi at Day 2 Day Wear

Jennifer at Belle de Couture

Jentine at My Edit

Ladies, thank you for your inspiration.  For those that I missed, I humbly apologize.

- The Leather Skirt -